How to Find a Window Repair Near You
If your home is equipped with vintage single-pane wood windows or energy-efficient vinyl double-hung windows, the right window repair company can help. The company should provide an estimate free of charge and a guarantee for its work.
Certain window companies offer a lifetime warranties on frames, sashes and locks. Other companies offer limited warranties that expire at various dates.
Paint chipped or peeling
If your window frame paint starts to peel or chip it's usually the time to apply a new coat. Well-applied interior paint will last about 5 to 10 years indoors. While exterior paint may last about 7 to 10 years, based upon climate conditions. However, even the most well-applied paint will degrade with age and the elements. Paint chips and peels occur as a result of natural wear caused by rain, sun and snow.
Peeling paint can expose bare wood, which can cause moisture issues. A lack of caulking or a loose seal could cause moisture problems in wooden window frames. If moisture isn't addressed promptly it can get into the frame or sill and cause mold or rot.
To repair a glass that is peeling clean off all paint by using a wire brush or scraper and sand to smooth out rough edges. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer if you are using the heat gun or chemical stripper to prevent damaging the frame and glass. Prime the bare wood using a stain-blocking, oil-based primer and then finish it off with an enamel paint that is of the highest quality.
Inspect the entire window frame to ensure that there are no signs of rot or structural damage. Most of the time small rots can be fixed with a high-quality wood putty. Some painters prefer to apply an impervious preserver to the wood surface that is bare at this stage which can help avoid future problems like mildew or rot. However, this isn't always required.
Coffee-Like Stains
When cleaning windows, people often come across stains that resemble coffee or tea. These staining are caused by condensation which occurs when warm air from within your home is brought into contact with cool windows or glass. This is a more frequent issue in winter, as colder temperatures outside can cause the air inside of your home to become humid and warmer.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of these unsightly stains without damaging your blinds or window sills. Start by cleaning any dust or dirt build-up using a microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge. After soaking the clean, lint-free cloth with water, place your cleaner on the window's surface by wiping it in a circular motion. Repeat until you've removed the streaks.
If the stains aren't gone, you might need to take a more aggressive approach. A variety of abrasive scrubbers are available to remove even the most stubborn stain without damaging or scratching your glass. Steel wool rough green sponges, rough green sponges as well as a product called the magic eraser are well-known options. The texture of the magic eraser is similar to that of very fine sandpaper. Follow the instructions on the label when using any of these products to ensure you do not damage your glass.
A clean, lint-free paper towel or rag is another way to prevent future hard-water stains. This helps remove the minerals before they have a chance to penetrate the surface of your glass, which can be extremely expensive and difficult to remove.
Water Damage
Over time, even most well-sealed windows may suffer water damage. The wood frames are slowly degrading due to constant exposure to moisture and weather. The wood eventually begins to rot, causing serious problems. If the issue isn't addressed, you may need to replace the entire window frame. If you spot the issue early, you can save money on costly repairs.
Water stains are a typical sign of water damage to windows. They are round or oval spots in the brown, yellow and white shades. They are typically found in the corners of windows. They can be caused by many things, such as the absence of sun, or a buildup in the sill pan.
Another common sign that your windows have experienced water damage is the emergence of mold on the frame. The growth of mold can be seen in areas of high humidity and can quickly spread throughout your home if you don't address it. This is because mold creates the spores which can affect your health and well-being.
If you find that your window frames have developed a discoloration, you'll need to call in experts to repair the damaged parts. In some cases the rotting could extend to make the drywall sag around the frame, which could be an extremely dangerous situation. You can also look for other signs that suggest a leaky window to identify the issue before it becomes a major issue. You can detect an unpleasant smell emanating from damp wood or soft spots that feel spongy.
Frames that are Rotted
Water can cause wood to rot if it gets into wooden window frames. Wood rot can be unsightly and cause health problems for your family members. If you notice an abundance of decayed wood around your windows, then it's time to replace them.
It is possible to tell if a frame is rotten frame by its appearance. The wood will appear soft and discolored. It is also possible that the paint has peeled off the wood surface. However, the best way to check for decay is to touch the wood. Healthy, solid wood is dense and firm. Wood that is rotted feels soft and soft.
If the wood frame of your window is beginning to rot, you can remove it with a hammer. It is important to do this in a cautious manner to avoid damaging the surrounding areas. Once the rot has been removed then apply wood filler to any cracks. Once the repair is completed, you should sand down the wood and then apply several coats of waterproof wood sealer.
Rotted window frames can trigger mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of health problems. Molds can trigger symptoms such as an itchy nose or a stuffy eyes if you're prone. If you suffer from asthma these symptoms can become much more severe.
It is crucial to remember that when rotten wood is repaired, the spliced repair will allow more moisture into the frame than it would normally. This can lead to additional issues like leaks and degradation of your window.
Muntins and Mullions
These two window components are not interchangeable, despite the fact that they sound similar. They serve different purposes. It is important to know the differences between these features when choosing new windows to help you choose the best design for your house. The differences between the muntin and the Mullion can have an enormous impact on the look and functionality as well as the historical authenticity of your window.
A muntin is any vertical divider that is used to divide the glass panes of windows. However, the term muntin is typically reserved for windows' inner frames while the outer frames are referred to as stiles or rails. It could be that their alliterative sounds are similar or their function as structural support elements has resulted in their interchangeability.
The original purpose of the Mullions was to add support to large windows, as the walls that surrounded early structures were not able to support the weight of large sections of glass. Mullions and muntins were also used to decorate the windows, while keeping the glass in place. Today, mullions and muntins are mostly applied to windows for aesthetic reasons.
There are a variety of muntins available today including those built between the glass and then into the actual units. They can be made from vinyl, wood, or aluminum. They have the appearance of traditional multi-paned windows without decreasing energy efficiency. Some windows can even feature both real and simulated muntins for a more customizable appearance.